Wool Felt Cone - Lilac

This cone is an unstiffened base for hat making, manufactured from 100% virgin sheep wool. Its cone or bell configuration is specially dimensioned to allow the creation of various hats and headwear accessories through moulding. The unstiffened material allows the milliner full control over the final degree of rigidity. This product is intended for shaping on hat blocks or wooden forms.

Usage Instructions

Preparation (Blocking): The felt must be generously moistened with steam or by light soaking before any handling. The use of a stable steam source is required to soften the fibres and facilitate the controlled shrinkage necessary for fitting/moulding on a block.

Moulding on Block: The cone is designed to be shaped on wooden hat blocks or forms. Proceed with the progressive stretching of the felt over the block to achieve the desired crown and brim. Firmly secure the excess material beneath the brim using blocking pins, cane rings and string to maintain tension during drying.

Stiffening: The application of a liquid stiffener is essential to give the felt the desired final rigidity, as this base is supplied without initial treatment. Choose a stiffener suited to the desired level of firmness (for example: Permafix 50 or gum arabic).

Finishing: After drying and stiffening, the initial edge of the cone can be cut to the desired final dimension and bound or hemmed according to the intended hat style (cloche, small brim).

Additional Information

The cone is ideal for creating shapes requiring moderate shrinkage: small-brimmed hats, cloche shapes, fascinators, and caps.

Requires the steps of steaming/soaking, moulding on block, drying and stiffening to impart hold and retain the shape over time.

The use of protective gloves is recommended when handling chemical stiffeners.

This product is known in the craft by the technical term bell or cone felt.

Technical Specifications

• Product Type: Unstiffened felt cone/bell

• Composition: 100% Virgin Sheep Wool

• Standard Weight: 90 - 95 grams

• Colour: Lilac

• Made in: China

• Approximate Dimensions (flat, before shaping):

  • Cone circumference: 50 - 52 cm

  • Opening (cone entry): 84 cm

  • Cone height: 23 - 25 cm

Care Instructions

Storage: Store cones flat in their original shape, away from excessive humidity and direct light to prevent fibre deformation or discolouration.

Handling: Avoid folding or creasing the felt before the moulding process, as this could create creases that are difficult to remove during humidification.

Additional Note

Product illustration photographs are provided for reference purposes only. Colour may vary slightly between dye baths and deliveries. The product is sold individually.